Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Advanced

About the role

Zebra is seeking a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) to work directly with customers. In this role, you will lead the deployment of Zebra AI products, engineer customized solutions, and resolve complex technical challenges to drive product success. Additionally, you will leverage your frontline customer experience to collaborate closely with internal Engineering teams, guiding the development of core solutions that directly address customer pain points.

Responsibilities

• Works on-site or closely with customer teams to remove technical blockers and guide adoption
• Translates field challenges back to core product and research teams to improve foundational models
• Design and test a variety of AI-driven software assignments as part of a project deployed in customer's environments
• Establishes requirements for complex software design projects and provides leadership in defining project scope and objectives
• Architects and designs software for highly complex AI driven systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and technical standards
• Leads and participates in all phases of software development projects, including in process and final inspections to maintain quality
• Develops innovative programs, technologies, and solutions; documenting methodologies for broader team use
• Provides technical leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, leveraging expertise to influence program direction and outcomes
• Maintains and deploys AI-powered applications on Edge Devices and Android platform, including creating data pipelines to on-premises servers for AI processing
• Exercises considerable judgment within broadly defined policies and practices to deliver effective solutions
• Networks with key internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and customers, to coordinate efforts and achieve project goals
• Represents the organization as a technical expert and principal customer contact on critical projects

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree, 5+ years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree

Skills

• Knowledge or previous projects in training and fine tuning AI models is highly desired
• Exposure to Nvidia CUDA toolkit
• Experience with MLOps and deploying AI/ML models on-prem and in cloud environment (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise tools and APIs
• A pragmatic, "builder" mindset with a passion for prototyping and iterative development
• Advanced proficiency in multiple programming languages and software architecture
• Deep understanding of software design patterns, system level programming, performance optimization techniques, and adopting GenAI in the Software Development Lifecycle
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with experience tackling highly complex technical challenges
• Familiarity with competitor products and industry trends to inform strategic design decisions
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across organizational boundaries
• Experience developing innovative solutions and technologies to meet evolving business and customer needs
• Travel is required

Pay

$122,800.00 - $184,200.00 Annual Incentive Compensation. In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 12% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Benefits

• Healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings
• Community service days, in addition to traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work
• Flexibility including hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day
• Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards